Symbolism of the Costa Rican Flag

Costa Rican Flag: Colors & Coat of Arms

The flag features five horizontal stripes (blue, white, red, white, blue) in 1:1:2:1:1 ratio, with the national coat of arms centered on the red stripe (state/war flag) or omitted (civil flag).

Color Symbolism

• Blue (top & bottom): Sky, Pacific & Caribbean seas, idealism, perseverance, opportunities
• White (inner): Peace, wisdom, happiness, purity of ideals
• Red (center, double width): Blood shed for freedom, warmth of the people, generosity, vitality

Coat of Arms (on state flag)

• Three volcanoes (mountain ranges) between two oceans
• Merchant ships (Pacific & Caribbean trade)
• Rising sun (prosperity)
• Seven stars (seven provinces)
• Gold coffee beans (historical economic base)
• Motto: "República de Costa Rica – América Central"

History

Designed 1848 by First Lady Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno, inspired by French tricolor. Current version adopted 1906 (coat of arms updated 1964, 1998).

One of few flags with different civil/state versions; the civil flag (no arms) is widely used by citizens.